Childminder in SurreyOfsted inspection, 5 Mar 2009

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 507314 Inspection date 05/03/2009 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and family in a residential area of Epsom, Surrey. Childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. Children have access to a playroom, hallway, cloakroom and lounge/dining area. A first floor bedroom is used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a pet hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. When working with another childminder or assistant, she may care for a maximum of six children in the early years age group. There are currently six children in the early years age group on roll. Registration also includes both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder has an exemplary knowledge of early years practice and utilises every opportunity to promote children's welfare, learning and development. As a result, children make excellent progress in their learning and benefit from an exceptional range of high quality play experiences. Meticulous self-evaluation thoroughly scrutinises every aspect of practice and prioritises any areas for development. This reflects the childminder's total commitment towards consistently improving her service and enhancing the care and learning opportunities she provides for children. Children are totally respected as individuals and their personal needs are consistently provided for.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continuing to strengthen the partnerships established with other early years practitioners delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage

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provision

The professionalism and dedication of the childminder ensures children receive the highest standards of practice. She is totally committed to promoting children's care and learning within an exceptionally homely and loving environment. As a result, children are totally secure and form strong emotional attachments with the childminder. This enables children to thrive in her care and make rapid progress in their learning and development. The childminder works exceptionally well with her husband as her co-minder and all roles and responsibilities are shared, although This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder currently takes the lead on assessment.

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provision

The childminder maintains comprehensive records and thoroughly promotes all aspects of children's health, safety and welfare. Risk assessments are extensive and cover all aspects of practice, ensuring all necessary precautions are taken to keep children consistently safe. The childminder consistently reflects on all areas of her practice and regularly seeks the views of parents/carers and children to identify any areas for improvement. Parents' feedback is consistently positive and they praise the high standards of care.

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provision

The childminder knows children exceptionally well and is extremely intuitive towards their individual needs. She adapts her service appropriately to ensure all children are fully engaged and participate in activities which support their development. She works tirelessly with parents/carers to identify children's current interests and stages in development and carefully plans activities which extend children's learning and move them onto the next stage. Comprehensive play plans are drawn up with parents/carers ensuring they are fully involved in their children's learning and development and these are starting to be shared with the other early years settings which children attend.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care and benefit from the extensive range of fun, practical learning opportunities. They develop excellent social skills as they regularly socialise with other children and extend their knowledge as they frequently go on outings and visits within the local area. This enables children to thoroughly enjoy their learning through many practical, first- hand experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Babies delight in developing their exploratory skills and using their senses to explore treasure baskets. Older children engage in lengthy conversations with the childminder and she gently extends their language through open-questioning and discussion. The daily routine is consistently planned in accordance with the children's own needs, ensuring that sufficient time is given for children to really explore their own ideas and move on to different activities when they are ready. Babies thoroughly enjoy being in the company of the older children and the childminder is sensitive in allowing the babies to see the older children, whilst still ensuring the presence of older children playing close by does not pose any risks to the babies. As a result, older children interact with babies positively and babies giggle excitedly and squeal with delight as older children initiate a game of peek-a- boo.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a very strong sense of belonging as they feel valued and respected by the childminder. They delight in looking at photographs of themselves and talking about their special friends. They take pride in their drawings and enjoy celebrating their achievements with the childminder who rewards them with high levels of praise and positive attention. As a result, there is an exceptionally happy atmosphere and children develop high levels of self- confidence and self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The provision for helping children to stay safe is excellent. The childminder clearly explains possible dangers to children and helps them to play safely. For example, older children recognise there are some hazardous areas in the home, such as the kitchen, and understand what they must do to protect themselves from dangers. Comprehensive plans are in place to keep children safe in an emergency and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children frequently practise an emergency drill to ensure they clearly understand the relevant procedures. Whilst on outings, children wear high-visibility jackets ensuring the childminder can supervise children easily at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop an excellent understanding of being healthy. They develop a very good awareness of healthy eating and benefit from nutritious snacks. Many activities take place outside and this encourages children to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and benefit from physical play and plenty of fresh air. The childminder's home is scrupulously clean and stringent measures are taken to protect children from infection. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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